Turkey
Day 01 : Istanbul - Ankara : Istanbul City Sights (Lunch, Dinner)
Upon arrival at Ataturk Airport, we proceed on a sightseeing tour that takes you to the premier sights in Istanbul. Visit the Hippodrome Square, which was the former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople and today, not much was remained of the original building except the Egyptian Obelisk and Constantine & Serpentine Columns. Next, we visit the St. Sophia Museum ( Closed Mon) – a church turned mosque turned museum – which is one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world. The Blue Mosque, which is also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque. It is one of the largest religious complex in Istanbul. Depart Istanbul and continue our journey to Ankara . Overnight Ankara.
Day 02 : Ankara – Cappadocıa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, at Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Ankara city highlights include the magnificent Ataturk Mausolem; houses, art galleries and fine restaurants are located. Next, we proceed on to Anatolian Civilization Museum. After lunch , we head for the magnificent region of Cappadocia, the highlight of any tour to Turkey. Dinner and overnight at Cappadocia.
Day 03 : Cappadocıa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, a full day of sightseeing includes visit the underground city of Kaymakli where early Christian dwellings extended downwards into the earth for at least 8 floors in a maze of tunnels and rooms. . Next is the almost lunar landscape in the Goreme Valley to explore the rock-carved churches – some decorated with scratched frescos in the open-air museum. Photo stops will be made at Uchisar “castle” village, Goreme and Pigeon Valleys, a fantasyland of strange and wonderful works of man and nature. Lunch. If time permits, we may visit a traditional hand made carpet factory. This evening relax and enjoy a delightful show featuring Belly and folklore dance. Overnight at Cappadocia.
Day 04 : Cappadocıa – Konya – Pamukkale (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Travel to Konya, the famous old capital city of the Seljuk Turks in the 12th and 13th centuries. Here, visit the blue-green domed Mevlana Museum, which used to be the cloister for Mevlevi Dervishes, the old Turkish order of whirling dervishes whose basic ideology was tolerance and love. Continue along the old Silk Road from Konya, stopping at Horozluhan , one of the best-preserved caravanserais (inns) in Anatolia. Overnight Pamukkale.
Day 05 : Pamukkale – Kusadasi (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast this morning, visit the extensive ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city, well-known for its thermal baths and health center. Thereafter, proceed on to the unique Cotton Castle, On the tour of Ephesus, see the Grand Theater, the Library of Celsius, Marble Street etc. Lunch. It is also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. It is today a popular place of pilgrimage. Dinner and overnight Kusadasi.
Day 06 : Kusadasi – Pergamon – Canakkale (B/f, Lunch, Dinner)
Proceed on to the ancient city of Pergamon to see the The Acropolis. Some of the sites include Altar of Zeus, Temple of Athena, the library, theater, arsenals and The Asclepion. After lunch, we continue on to Troy for a visit of the famous mythology city in Homer’s epic poem – Iliad, one of the oldest settlements in the world. Overnight Canakkale.
Day 07 : Canakkale – Istanbul (B/f, Lunch, Dinner)
Enjoy a leisure drive along the shores of Marmara Sea and back to Istanbul. Continue our tour to the grandiose Topkapi Palace (main entrance only, closed Tue), Royal Antiques, Courtyards, Holy Relics etc. If time permits you will have the opportunity to go shopping at the covered Grand Bazaar where stalls and shops selling local products such as leather goods, jewelleries, handicrafts, apple tea etc (Note: Grand Bazaar closed on every Sunday). Dinner and overnight at Istanbul.
Day 08 : Istanbul - Departure (Breakfast)
Free at leisure till departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home.